Glen Ridge Council Advances $14.67 Million Budget, Adds New Stop Signs at Washington and Midland
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At its April 13, 2026 meeting, the Glen Ridge Mayor & Council introduced Ordinance 1834, a "cap bank" measure that lets the borough exceed the standard 2.5% limit on municipal budget increases, raising that limit to 3.5% and allowing the borough to save the unused portion for use over the next two years. The ordinance passed unanimously. Building on that, the council introduced the 2026 municipal budget, totaling $14,666,876, through Resolution 76-26. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
On traffic safety, the council gave first-reading approval to Ordinance 1835, which updates borough rules on stop signs. The change adds a new multi-way stop at Washington and Midland avenues and replaces a blinking light at Linden and Midland with a full stop sign, both in response to resident complaints. In other financial business, the council unanimously approved $375,204 in claims through Resolution 74-26, and approved six raffle licenses for local organizations holding events in April and May.
Public Works officials reported that a water main break near Osborne and Essex Avenue has been repaired by an outside contractor, and crews used 12 tons of asphalt to fix potholes around the borough. Officials also discussed a joint survey conducted with Montclair and Bloomfield on expanding NJ Transit weekday off-peak and weekend service, which found strong resident interest in more frequent weekend trains and buses; talks with NJ Transit are continuing. Police Chief Quinn announced a bike rodeo event for June 6, with further details to come. Mayor Deborah Mann read a proclamation declaring April 19–25, 2026 as National Library Week in Glen Ridge, recognizing library director Tina Marie and library staff. The council also unanimously approved Resolution 75-26, certifying the borough's compliance with federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance on the use of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Council members shared several community updates: Councilman Ziemba reported record turnout at Freeman Gardens' annual Rake and Bake cleanup and bake sale; Councilman Mayer described a well-attended opening weekend for the Bloomfield-Glen Ridge Little League partnership, drawing over 500 kids including about 250 from Glen Ridge; and Councilman Moody reported that the borough's Environmental Advisory Committee partnered with Clean Ocean Action on a cleanup of Toney's Brook. Officials also noted that results from a fall town-wide communication survey are posted on the borough website, with some changes already underway based on resident feedback. A Repair Cafe offering drop-in repair services, including knife sharpening and bike tune-ups, was announced for Saturday at the train station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with no pre-registration required. The borough clerk also announced early voting and ballot drop-off in front of Borough Hall ahead of Thursday's election.
What to watch
- Public hearing on the $14.67 million municipal budget scheduled for May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
- Second reading and possible adoption of the new stop sign ordinance at Washington and Midland
- Further details expected on the June 6 bike rodeo event